Lean Six Sigma: An Overview

Implementing Six Sigma

The Six Sigma methodology focuses on identifying and reducing causes of variation leading to optimised processes withextremely low levels of errors and defects. It is a powerful methodology which views all work as processes that can be defined, measured, analysed, improved and controlled (Six Sigma methodology).

Define: The Processes (or products) to be improved are identified and projects selected.Measure: The baseline and target performance of the process is determined including the input/output variables of the process.Analyse: Data is used to establish the statistical relationship between the key process input and outputs.Improve: Statistical analysis is completed to identify the improvements to optimise the outputs and eliminate or reduce defects and variation.Control: Solutions for sustaining the gains made by process improvements are introduced.

Lean Six Sigma

A reliable approach for achieving operational excellence

In order to develop, sustain, and become competitive, businesses have to improve. Lean is based on the fundamental goal of the systematic elimination of waste, and the implementation of continuous flow concepts and customer pull. The basic premise of Six Sigma is that sources of variation can be identified, quantified, eliminated or controlled.

More than just improve processes

Lean Six Sigma can do more than simply improve processes as it helps businesses discover innovation opportunities far beyond operations and enhances financial performance. The deployment of Lean Six Sigma in a company can help to improve productivity and reduce costs ensuring the future growth and profitability of the business.

The results:

Improve Quality

Elimination of wasted time and resources

Reduction of lead time

Reduction of total costs

Measurable competitiveness gains

Direct impact on the bottom line

Almir Business can assist your company

Our Lean Six Sigma Consultants can guide you and advise you in many respects:

Lean Six Sigma Education and Awareness

Six Sigma project mentoring

Initial baseline assessment

Six Sigma DMAIC Projects

Waste elimination

Introduction of Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques:

5S Programme

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Statistical Process Control

Quick Change Over

Process Capability Analysis

Total Productive Maintenance

Kaizen

Gauge R & R

The Benefits Of Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement to help companies streamline operations, increase value and reduce waste. As we already outline in our introduction: the deployment of Lean in a company can help to improve productivity and reduce costs ensuring the future growth and profitability of the business.

How is this achieved?

1. Increased Employee Involvement

Lean Six Sigma ensures an increase in employee involvement through their participation on process improvement teams which are designed to help them improve processes and increase value for internal and external customers.

The benefit of involving employees in the implementation of lean programs is that they gain a greater appreciation for the impact of the work they do on bottom-line business results—as well as an appreciation for how the work of other employees and departments also contribute to success.

2. Reduced Costs

Companies using Lean Six Sigma methodologies find that they can significantly decrease costs while maintaining, and often increasing, customer value. Cost reduction and reduction in time/resources will always be primary desired benefits associated with lean projects.

But another major benefit is decreasing defects or errors that can result in rework and damage your brand. This can be achieved by examining the steps involved in a process, understanding what customers value and then taking steps to eliminate unnecessary steps while increasing value.

3. Increased Customer Satisfaction

Lean Six Sigma has a strong focus on customer needs and requirements and delivering high-value and this results in an increase in customer satisfaction. Lean Six Sigma focuses not only on product improvements, but also improvements to product delivery methods and other customer service activities that can impact customer satisfaction.